NHL prospect arrested for being 'super drunk' in Teletubby costume

Nov. 28, 2012
|

Detroit Red Wings prospect Riley Sheahan is facing drunk driving charges after his arrest in October for having a blood-alcohol content of .30 while driving and wearing a Tinky Winky costume. / Timoth A. Clary/Getty Images

by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

Having your name in the news for being arrested is never a good thing. Having your name in the news for being "super drunk" is definitely not a good thing. Having your name in the news for driving drunk and wearing a Tinky Winky costume is just plain silly.

Yet that's the way Riley Sheahan's Oct. 29 night has been detailed in a police report. The Detroit Red Wings prospect is facing charges for having a blood-alcohol content of .30, which is nearly four times the legal limit, as well as providing false information.

He was described as being "super drunk" by Grand Rapids Police after he was pulled over for driving the wrong way in a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The 20-year old, playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins, also was carrying teammate Brendan Smith's Michigan driver's license and wearing a purple Teletubby costume when he was pulled over close to midnight in Grand Rapids.

According to the report, Smith, who was drafted by the Red Wings as the top pick in the 2007 draft, was not at the scene but when police asked Sheahan if he was carrying the 23-year old Smith's ID to get into bars he concurred.

Sheahan was treated at Saint Mary's Health Care for his high blood-alcohol content before he was taken back to Kent County Jail.

The Red Wings were made aware of the arrest and are monitoring the situation.

Sheahan, who pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing in Grand Rapids District Court on Nov. 6, was charged under the state's new "super drunk" distinction of driving with a blood-alcohol content of .17 or higher.